Thermally optimized rings

ABSTRACT

A process kit ring for use in a plasma processing system is disclosed herein. The process kit ring includes an annular body and one or more hollow inner cavities. The annular body is formed from a plasma resistant material. The annular body has an outer diameter greater than 200 mm. The annular body includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is configured to face a plasma processing region of a process chamber. The bottom surface is opposite the top surface. The bottom surface is substantially perpendicular to a centerline of the body. The bottom surface is supported at least partially by a pedestal assembly. The one or more hollow inner cavities are formed in the annular body about the centerline. The one or more hollow inner cavities are arranged in a circle within the annular body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/233,613, filed Aug. 10, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Embodiments described herein generally relate to a processing chamber, and more specifically, to component rings of a processing chamber.

Description of the Related Art

Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is one of the most commonly used processes in the fabrication of electronic devices. PVD is a plasma process performed in a vacuum chamber where negatively biased target is exposed to a plasma of an inert gas having relatively heavy atoms (e.g., argon) or a gas mixture comprising such inert gas. Bombardment of the target by ions of the inert gas results in ejection of atoms of the target material. The ejected atoms accumulate as a deposited film on a substrate placed on a substrate support disposed in the chamber.

A process kit may be disposed in the chamber to help define a processing region in a desired region within the chamber with respect to the substrate. The process kit may include at least a cover ring and a deposition ring. The deposition ring may be configured to prevent deposition on the perimeter of the substrate support pedestal. The cover ring may be configured to create a gap between the deposition ring to prevent deposition below the substrate. During processing, the deposition ring and the cover ring may be heated to high temperatures. The high temperature results in thermal expansion of the deposition ring and the cover ring, which, over time, decreases the life of the deposition ring and the cover ring.

Therefore, there is a need for improved process kits for a processing chamber.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a process kit ring for use in a plasma processing system is disclosed herein. The process kit ring includes an annular body and one or more hollow inner cavities. The annular body is formed from a plasma resistant material. The annular body has an outer diameter greater than 200 mm. The annular body includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is configured to face a plasma processing region of a process chamber. The bottom surface is opposite the top surface. The bottom surface is substantially perpendicular to a centerline of the body. The bottom surface is supported at least partially by a pedestal assembly. The one or more hollow inner cavities are formed in the annular body about the centerline. The one or more hollow inner cavities are arranged in a circle within the annular body.

In another embodiment, a process kit for a substrate processing chamber is disclosed herein. The process kit includes a first process kit ring and a second process kit ring. The first process kit includes a first body and one or more first hollow inner cavities. The first body is formed from a plasma resistant material. The first body has a first outer diameter greater than 200 mm. The first body includes a first top surface and a first bottom surface. The first top surface faces a plasma processing region of a process chamber. The first top surface is configured to at least partially support a second process kit ring. The first bottom surface is opposite the first top surface. The first bottom surface is substantially perpendicular to a first centerline of the first body and supported at least partially by a pedestal assembly. The second process kit ring at least partially covers the first process kit ring. The second process kit ring includes a second body and one or more second hollow inner cavities. The second body is formed from a second plasma resistant material. The second body includes a second outer diameter greater than 200 mm. The second body includes a second top surface and a second bottom surface. The second top surface faces the plasma processing region of the processing chamber. The second bottom surface is opposite the second top surface. The second bottom surface is substantially parallel to a second centerline of the second process kit ring. The second bottom surface is configured to at least partially cover the first process kit ring. The one or more second hollow inner cavities are formed in the second body about the centerline. The one or more second hollow inner cavities are arranged in a circle within the second body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary semiconductor processing chamber, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cover ring of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cover ring of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the cover ring of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view cross-sectional view of the cover ring of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the deposition ring of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the deposition ring of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the deposition ring of FIG. 5, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view cross-sectional view of the deposition ring of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

For clarity, identical reference numerals have been used, where applicable, to designate identical elements that are common between figures. Additionally, elements of one embodiment may be advantageously adapted for utilization in other embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary semiconductor processing chamber 100, according to one embodiment. As shown, the processing chamber 100 is a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber, capable of depositing metal or ceramic materials, such as for example, titanium, aluminum oxide, aluminum, copper, tantalum, tantalum nitride, tantalum carbide, tungsten, tungsten nitride, lanthanum, lanthanum oxides, titanium nitride, nickel, and NiPt, among others. One example of a processing chamber that may be adapted to benefit from the disclosure is the ALPS® Plus and SIP ENCORE® PVD processing chambers, commercially available from Applied Materials, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif. It is contemplated that other processing chambers including those from other manufacturers may be adapted to benefit from the disclosure.

The processing chamber 100 includes a chamber body 102 having upper adapters 104, lower adapters 106, a bottom 108, and a lid assembly 110 that encloses an interior volume 112. The chamber bottom 106 generally includes a slit valve (not shown) to provide entry and egress of a substrate 101 from the processing chamber 100.

The semiconductor processing chamber 100 includes a pedestal assembly 114 and a process kit 150. The pedestal assembly 114 may be supported from the bottom 108 of the chamber 100. The process kit 150 includes at least a deposition ring 152 supported on the pedestal assembly 114. The process kit 150 may also include one or both of a ground shield 154 and an interleaving cover ring 156. The pedestal assembly 114 is coupled to the bottom 106 of the chamber 100 by a lift mechanism 116 that is configured to move the pedestal assembly 114 between an upper and lower position. In the lower position, lift pins (not shown) are moved through the pedestal assembly 114 to space the substrate from the pedestal assembly 114 to facilitate exchange of the substrate with a substrate transfer mechanism disposed exterior to the processing chamber. A bellows 118 may be disposed between the pedestal assembly 114 and the bottom 108 to isolate the interior volume 112 of the chamber body 102 from the interior of the pedestal assembly 114 and the exterior of the chamber 100.

The pedestal assembly 114 generally includes a substrate support 120 sealingly coupled to a base plate 122, which is coupled to a ground plate 124. The substrate support 120 may be comprised of aluminum or ceramic. The substrate support 120 may be an electrostatic chuck, a ceramic body, a heater, or a combination thereof. The dielectric body may be fabricated from a high thermal conductivity dielectric material, such as pyrolytic boron nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, or the like. The substrate support 120 has a substrate receiving surface 126 that receives and supports the substrate 101 during processing. The substrate receiving surface 126 has a plane substantially parallel to a sputtering surface 128 of the target 132.

The process kit 150 comprises various components that can be easily removed from the chamber 100, for example, to clean sputtering deposits off the component surfaces, replace or repair eroded components, or to adapt the chamber 100 for other processes. As discussed above, the process kit 150 includes at least one or more of the deposition ring 152, the ground shield 154 and the cover ring 156. In one embodiment, the cover ring 156 and deposition ring 152 are placed about a peripheral edge 130 of the substrate support 120. The deposition ring 152 and cover ring 156 are discussed in more detail in FIGS. 2-7. The deposition ring 152 and cover ring 156 may be formed from a 3D printing, lithography, or casting process, which allows one or more hollow inner cavities to be formed in the bodies of the deposition ring 152 and cover ring 156. This results in an increased surface area (including internal surfaces) for the deposition ring 152 and cover ring 156, which advantageously results in up to a 30% decrease in thermal expansion when the deposition ring 152 and cover ring 156 are heated.

The lid assembly 110 generally includes a target backing plate 131, a target 132, and a magnetron 134. The target backing plate 131 is supported by the upper adapters 104 when in a closed position. A ceramic ring seal 136 may be disposed between the target backing plate 131 and upper adapters 104 to prevent vacuum leakage therebetween. The target 132 is coupled to the target backing plate 131 and exposed to the interior volume 112 of the processing chamber 100. The target 132 provides material which is deposited on the substrate 101 during a PVD process.

The process chamber 100 is coupled to a power source 140 and a gas source 142. A gas, such as argon, may be supplied to the interior volume 112 from the gas source 142 via conduits 144. The gas source 142 may comprise a non-reactive gas such as argon or xenon, which is capable of energetically impinging upon and sputtering material from the target 132. The gas source 142 may also include a reactive gas. A plasma is formed between the substrate 101 and the target 132, defined as the plasma processing region 180. Ions within the plasma are accelerated toward the target 132 and cause material to become dislodged from the target 132. The dislodged target material is deposited on the substrate 101.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a cross-sectional view illustrating the cover ring 156, according to one embodiment. The cover ring 156 includes an annular body 200. The annular body 200 is formed from a plasma resistant material. For example, the annular body 200 is formed from stainless steel. In one embodiment, the annular body 200 may be formed through a three-dimensional (3D) printing or other suitable process. The annular body 200 includes a top surface 202 and a bottom surface 204. The top surface 202 faces the plasma processing region of the process chamber 100. In one embodiment, the top surface 202 may include a three-dimensionally printed surface texture. The bottom surface 204 is perpendicular to a centerline 210 of the body 200. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 204 is substantially flat. The bottom surface 204 is configured to at least partially cover the deposition ring 152.

The cover ring 156 further comprises one or more hollow inner cavities 206 and one or more vent holes 208. The 3D printing process allows for the one or more hollow inner cavities 206 and the one or more vent holes 208 to be formed in the annular body 200. The one or more hollow inner cavities 206 are formed in the annular body 200. In one embodiment, the one or more hollow inner cavities 206 are formed in a circle about a centerline 210 of the body 22. For example, the one or more hollow inner cavities 206 may be concentric about the centerline 210 of the annular body 200. The one or more hollow inner cavities 206 are configured to provide a greater surface area for heat to radiate when the cover ring 156 is heated during processing. The greater surface area aids in reducing the overall thermal strain of the cover ring 156. In one example, the one or more hollow inner cavities 206 results in up to a 30% decrease in thermal expansion. By reducing the thermal expansion of the cover ring 156, the lifetime of the cover ring 156 is increased, thus increasing the number of substrates processed before having to be replaced. Additionally, the reduction in thermal expansion results in less rubbing of the cover ring 156 against other chamber components, which reduces particle generation in the process chamber 100. In one embodiment, one or more internal features 230 may be formed in the one or more hollow inner cavities 206. For example, one or more internal features 230 in the form of ribs or fins may be formed in the one or more hollow inner cavities. The one or more internal features 230 are configured to increase the rigidity of the cover ring 156. When the one or more internal features 230 extend through the one or more hollow inner cavities 206 (such as that shown in FIG. 2B), an optional hole 250 may be formed in each of the one or more internal features. The optional holes are configured to vent areas formed in the one or more hollow inner cavities 206 by the one or more internal features 230.

The one or more vent holes 208 are formed in the annular body 200. The one or more vent holes 208 are in fluid communication with the one or more hollow inner cavities 206. The one or more vent holes 208 are configured to vent the hollow inner cavities 206. In one embodiment, the one or more vent holes 208 have an open area of about 3.14 mm². Venting the hollow inner cavities 206 ensures that pressure will not build up in the hollow inner cavities 206 and distort the cover ring 156. Generally, the one or more vent holes 208 may be formed in the annular body 200 on an exterior surface that is not facing the plasma processing region (e.g., not on the top surface). In one embodiment, the cover ring 156 may include a first vent hole 214 and a second vent hole 216, the first vent hole 214 formed on an opposite side of the body 200 relative to the second vent hole 216. Positioning the first and second vent holes 214, 216 at opposite sides of the body 200 allows any dust or other contaminant to be removed by blowing air into the first vent hole 214 such that the dust exits the hollow inner cavities 206 through the second vent hole 216.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the cover ring 156 of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment. As shown, the cover ring 156 includes an inner diameter 218 and an outer diameter 220. The inner diameter 218 is shorter than the outer diameter 220. The cover ring 156 is shown with one or more hollow inner cavities 206 formed therein. The one or more hollow inner cavities 206 are formed about the centerline 211 of the cover ring 156. In one embodiment, the one or more hollow inner cavities 206 are all interconnected. Interconnecting the one or more hollow inner cavities 206 allows for uniform pressure throughout the cover ring 156.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the cover ring 156, according to another embodiment. As shown, the cover ring 156 includes a first row 402 and a second row 404 of hollow inner cavities 206 formed therein. The hollow inner cavities 206 of the first row 402 and the hollow inner cavities of the second row are formed about the centerline 211 of the cover ring 156. In one embodiment, the hollow inner cavities 206 of the first row 402 are interconnected along the first row 402 and the hollow inner cavities 206 of the second row 404 are interconnected along the second row 404. In another embodiment, the hollow inner cavities 206 are interconnected across the first and second rows 402, 404 as well.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a cross-sectional views illustrating the deposition ring 152 and deposition ring 152′, according to one embodiment. Deposition ring 152′ may be used in place of deposition ring 152 in processing chamber 100. Deposition ring 152′ is substantially similar to deposition ring 152. The deposition ring 152 includes an annular body 500. The annular body 500 may be formed from a plasma resistant material. For example, the annular body 500 may be formed from stainless steel. In one embodiment, the annular body 500 may be formed through a three-dimensional (3D) printing or other suitable process. The annular body 500 includes a top surface 502 and a bottom surface 504. The top surface 502 faces the plasma processing region 180 of the process chamber 100. The top surface 502 is configured to at least partially support the body 500. In one embodiment, the top surface 502 may include a three-dimensionally printed surface texture. The bottom surface 504 is perpendicular to a centerline 510 of the deposition ring 152. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 504 is substantially flat. The bottom surface 504 is configured to be at least partially supported by the substrate support 120.

The deposition ring 152 further comprises one or more hollow inner cavities 206 and one or more vent holes 508. The 3D printing process allows for the one or more hollow inner cavities 506 and the one or more vent holes 508 to be formed in the body 500. The one or more hollow inner cavities 506 are formed in the annular body 500. In one embodiment, the one or more hollow inner cavities 506 are formed in a circle about a centerline 510 of the body 500. For example, the one or more hollow inner cavities 506 may be concentric about the centerline 510 of with the annular body 500. The one or more hollow inner cavities 506 are configured to provide a greater surface area for heat to radiate when the deposition ring 152 is heated during processing. The greater surface area aids in reducing the overall thermal strain of the deposition ring 152. In one example, the one or more hollow inner cavities 506 results in up to a 30% decrease in thermal expansion. By reducing the thermal expansion of the deposition ring 152, the lifetime of the deposition ring 152 is increased, thus increasing the number of substrates processed before having to be replaced. Additionally, the reduction in thermal expansion results in less rubbing of the deposition ring 152 against other components, which reduces particle generation in the process chamber 100. In one embodiment, one or more internal features 530 may be formed in the one or more hollow inner cavities 506. For example, one or more internal features 530 in the form of ribs or fins may be formed in the one or more hollow inner cavities. The one or more internal features 530 are configured to increase the rigidity of the deposition ring 152.

The one or more vent holes 508 are in fluid communication with the one or more hollow inner cavities 506. The one or more vent holes 508 are configured to vent the hollow inner cavities 506. In one embodiment, the one or more vent holes 508 have an open area of about 3.14 mm². Venting the hollow inner cavities 506 ensures that pressure will not build up in the hollow inner cavities 506 and distort the deposition ring 152. Generally, the one or more vent holes 508 may be formed in the annular body 500 on an exterior surface that is not facing the plasma processing region (e.g., not on the top surface). In one embodiment, the deposition ring 152 may include a first vent hole 514 and a second vent hole 516, the first vent hole 514 formed on an opposite side of the body 500 relative to the second vent hole 516. Positioning the first and second vent holes 514, 516 at opposite sides of the body 500 allows any dust or other contaminants to be removed by blowing air into the first vent hole 514 such that the dust exits the hollow inner cavities 506 through the second vent hole 516.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the deposition ring 152′, according to another embodiment. Deposition ring 152′ may be used in place of deposition ring 152 in processing chamber 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the deposition ring 152 of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment. As shown, the deposition ring 152 includes an inner diameter 518 and an outer diameter 520. The inner diameter 518 is shorter than the outer diameter 520. The deposition ring 152 is shown with one or more hollow inner cavities 506 formed therein. The one or more hollow inner cavities 506 are formed about the centerline 511 of the deposition ring 152. In one embodiment, the one or more hollow inner cavities 506 are all interconnected. Interconnecting the one or more hollow inner cavities 506 allows for uniform pressure throughout the deposition ring 152.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the cover ring 156, according to another embodiment. As shown, the cover ring 156 includes a first row 702 and a second row 704 of hollow inner cavities 506 formed therein. The hollow inner cavities 506 of the first row 702 and the hollow inner cavities of the second row are formed about the centerline 511 of the cover ring 156. In one embodiment, the hollow inner cavities 506 of the first row 702 are interconnected along the first row 702 and the hollow inner cavities 506 of the second row 704 are interconnected along the second row 704. In another embodiment, the hollow inner cavities 506 are interconnected across the first and second rows 702, 704 as well.

While the foregoing is directed to specific embodiments, other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process kit ring for use in a plasma processing system, the process kit ring comprising: a hollow annular body of the process kit ring, the annular body comprising: a first cavity formed in the annular body; and a first vent hole formed in the annular body and venting the first cavity to an exterior of the annular body.
 2. The process kit ring of claim 1 further comprising: a second cavity formed in the annular body.
 3. The process kit ring of claim 2, wherein the second cavity is vented to the exterior of the annular body by the first vent hole.
 4. The process kit ring of claim 2, wherein the second cavity is vented to the exterior of the annular body by a second vent hole.
 5. The process kit ring of claim 2, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are concentric about a centerline of the annular body.
 6. The process kit ring of claim 2, wherein the first cavity is formed outward of the second cavity relative to a centerline of the annular body.
 7. The process kit ring of claim 1 further comprising: an internal feature projecting into the first cavity.
 8. The process kit ring of claim 7, wherein the internal feature comprises: a rib or a fin.
 9. The process kit ring of claim 1, wherein the annular body further comprises: a top surface; and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the bottom surface substantially perpendicular to a centerline of the annular body, and wherein the first vent hole is formed in the bottom surface.
 10. A process kit ring for use in a plasma processing system, the process kit ring comprising: a hollow annular body of the process kit ring, the annular body comprising: a first row of cavities; a second row of cavities; and a first vent hole formed in the annular body and venting at least one cavity of the first row of cavities to an exterior of the annular body.
 11. The process kit ring of claim 10, wherein the cavities of the first row of cavities are fluidly interconnected.
 12. The process kit ring of claim 10, wherein the cavities of the second row of cavities are fluidly interconnected.
 13. The process kit ring of claim 10, wherein the first row of cavities and the second row of cavities are fluidly interconnected.
 14. The process kit ring of claim 10 further comprising: a second vent hole formed in the annular body, the second vent hole formed on an opposite surface of the annular body relative to the first vent hole.
 15. The process kit ring of claim 14 further comprising: one or more ribs formed in each cavity of the first row of cavities.
 16. The process kit ring of claim 15, wherein each of the one or more ribs further comprises: an aperture.
 17. The process kit ring of claim 10, wherein the annular body is formed of stainless steel.
 18. A process kit for a substrate processing chamber, the process kit comprising: a first process kit ring comprising: a first hollow annular body comprising: a first cavity formed in the first annular body; a second cavity formed in the first annular body, the second cavity formed outward of the first cavity relative to a centerline of the first annular body; and a first vent hole formed in the first annular body and venting the first cavity to an exterior of the first annular body; and a second process kit ring comprising: a second hollow annular body comprising: a third cavity formed in the second annular body; a fourth cavity formed in the second annular body, the fourth cavity formed outward of the third cavity relative to a centerline of the second annular body; and a second vent hole formed in the second annular body and venting the third cavity to an exterior of the second annular body.
 19. The process kit of claim 18, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other.
 20. The process kit of claim 19, wherein the third cavity and the fourth cavity are in fluid communication with each other. 